Birks of Aberfeldy
A magical woodland walk in Perthshire, featuring dramatic waterfalls and inspiring Robert Burns' poetry. Free entry and stunning scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are most dramatic
Birks of Aberfeldy
Best Time
Waterfalls are most dramatic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical woodland walk in Perthshire, featuring dramatic waterfalls and inspiring Robert Burns' poetry. Free entry and stunning scenery.
"The Birks of Aberfeldy is a truly stunning walk — a perfect mix of nature, tranquillity, and a little bit of adventure."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep, wet, and uneven. Waterproof boots with good grip are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Chase the Waterfalls
Visit after rainfall for the most impressive cascades. The Moness Burn truly roars!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moness Waterfall
Central to the walk
The star attraction! A series of stunning cascades tumbling through a dramatic gorge.
Robert Burns' Inspiration
Various viewpoints
Walk in the footsteps of the poet and feel the magic that inspired his famous verses.
Woodland Trails
Throughout the Birks
Meander through enchanting forests, crossing charming bridges over the Moness Burn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Falls
Embrace the Poet's Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep, wet, and uneven. Waterproof boots with good grip are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Chase the Waterfalls
Visit after rainfall for the most impressive cascades. The Moness Burn truly roars!
🚶♀️ Walk Counter-Clockwise
Many find this route makes the climb easier and the second half more interesting.
🐿️ Spot Wildlife
Keep an eye out for red squirrels and various birdlife in the peaceful woodland.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep, wet, and uneven. Waterproof boots with good grip are essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
💧 Chase the Waterfalls
Visit after rainfall for the most impressive cascades. The Moness Burn truly roars!
🚶♀️ Walk Counter-Clockwise
Many find this route makes the climb easier and the second half more interesting.
🐿️ Spot Wildlife
Keep an eye out for red squirrels and various birdlife in the peaceful woodland.
📜 Read the Poem
Enhance your visit by familiarizing yourself with Robert Burns' 'The Birks of Aberfeldy'.
☕ Post-Walk Coffee
Combine your visit with a stop at the @aberfeldywatermill for coffee and cake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Birks of Aberfeldy, calling it a stunning and magical walk with impressive waterfalls, especially after rain. The well-marked trails and free entry make it an accessible and highly recommended experience for nature lovers and those interested in Scottish heritage.
"The Birks of Aberfeldy is a truly stunning walk — a perfect mix of nature, tranquillity, and a little bit of adventure. The well-marked trail takes you through beautiful woodland alongside a rushing burn, with plenty of picturesque spots for photos. The highlight is the series of waterfalls, which are especially impressive after rain.
The circular route is manageable for most fitness levels (about 1.5–2 hours at an easy pace), but there are some steps and steeper sections, so good walking shoes are a must. Benches and viewpoints along the way make it easy to take breaks and soak in the scenery.
It’s easy to see why Robert Burns wrote a poem inspired by this place — the atmosphere is magical. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Perthshire!"
Chathura Medagedara
"We walked the route back to front which made the climb much easier on the way up. The falls were dramatic as there had been a lot of rain the night before. It is truly beautiful and being so easily accessible from the town centre for most able bodied people.
Well worth the visit."
Kevin Upton
"This walk was one of the highlights of our month in Scotland. It was raining most of the two hours, but we didn't care a bit because the waterfalls were so beautiful. We walked the path counter-clockwise, which made the second half of the trip much more interesting than the first half. I think I'm glad we did it tgat way. The rain made it a bit more challanging. Wear waterproof shies with good traction, but don't miss this. And be sure to read the Burns poem about it!"
Susan Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Birks of Aberfeldy are easily accessible from Aberfeldy town center. There are two free car parks available, or you can park in town and walk to the entrance.
Yes, there are two free car parks available for visitors.
Absolutely! You can walk directly from Aberfeldy town center to the Birks, making it a convenient option if you're staying locally.
The main access points are from the car parks, which lead directly onto the circular walking routes.
Aberfeldy is served by local bus routes, making it reachable by public transport from surrounding areas. Check local timetables for details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Birks of Aberfeldy is completely free and open all year round.
The Birks of Aberfeldy are open 24/7, as it's a natural woodland area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to enter the Birks of Aberfeldy.
Yes, you can visit in winter, but be extra cautious as paths can be icy and slippery. Check weather conditions before you go.
Visitors are encouraged to 'Respect, Protect, Enjoy' the natural environment. Please stay on marked paths and take all litter with you.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The circular walk typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, allowing time for photos and breaks.
It's generally considered a moderate walk. There are some steep sections and steps, so good fitness is helpful.
There are no dedicated facilities within the Birks itself, but Aberfeldy town center, just across the road, offers cafes, shops, and public toilets.
Yes, it's suitable for children, but they should be supervised closely due to the steep drops and water. Sturdy footwear is a must for them too.
Expect beautiful woodland, the Moness Burn, and a series of impressive waterfalls, especially after rain. Autumn foliage is particularly stunning. 
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking the waterfalls and the charming wooden bridges offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the misty atmosphere after rain. +1
Absolutely! The combination of water, woodland, and dramatic terrain makes it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. However, the dramatic atmosphere after rain is often the most sought-after for photos.
Drone usage may be restricted in natural areas. It's always best to check local regulations and guidelines before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and woodland. A tripod can help with long exposures in lower light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1Beyond the waterfalls, the ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot red squirrels and various bird species.
+1 It's a perfect destination for those seeking both physical activity and a deep appreciation for Scotland's natural and cultural heritage.📸 Photographers
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding environment. For those seeking to capture the misty, ethereal quality of the falls, visiting after a period of rain is ideal. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer, more diffused light, enhancing the magical ambiance of the glen.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Moness Burn
+1Visitors often describe the atmosphere around the burn as magical and fairytale-like. The sound of the rushing water, combined with the lush greenery and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creates an immersive natural experience. It's easy to understand why this spot has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
When planning your visit, consider the weather. While the Birks are beautiful in any season, the waterfalls are at their most impressive following rainfall. This is when the Moness Burn truly comes alive, showcasing its raw, untamed beauty.
Robert Burns and the Birks
+1Walking through the Birks today allows visitors to connect with this literary heritage. Many find that reading the poem before or during their visit deepens their appreciation for the surroundings. The viewpoints and the natural features described in the poem are still very much present, offering a tangible link to Burns' experience.
This connection to Robert Burns adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the Birks of Aberfeldy, making it more than just a beautiful natural site; it's a place where nature and art converge, inviting reflection and inspiration.
Navigating the Woodland Trails
+1While the walk is considered manageable for most, it's important to be prepared for some steeper sections and a number of steps. The terrain can also be uneven and slippery, especially after rain, so wearing appropriate footwear with good grip is highly recommended.
Along the path, you'll find several benches and viewpoints, perfect for taking a breather, enjoying the scenery, and capturing photographs. The woodland itself is rich with life, offering opportunities to spot red squirrels and a variety of bird species, adding to the overall immersive experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit